Intense airstrikes by Russian and Syrian jets have targeted the rebel-held city of Idlib, resulting in civilian casualties, including children. The Syrian army claims to be regaining control of towns from insurgents, while the situation in Aleppo remains tense, with civilians fleeing and rebels asserting control over key areas. Iranian officials express confidence in the Assad regime despite ongoing conflicts and significant humanitarian challenges in Syria.
Intensified Airstrikes in Idlib
Military sources report that Russian and Syrian jets launched attacks on the rebel-controlled city of Idlib in northern Syria on Sunday. This escalation comes as President Bashar al-Assad is determined to eradicate insurgents who have made significant advances into Aleppo. The Syrian army announced it had regained control of several towns that had recently fallen into rebel hands. Eyewitnesses noted that a strike targeted a densely populated residential area in central Idlib, the largest city in a rebel enclave close to the Turkish border, where approximately four million residents live in tents and makeshift shelters. Initial reports indicate that at least seven individuals lost their lives, with many others suffering injuries, according to rescue workers on-site.
Despite claims from the Syrian army and its ally Russia that their operations are focused on insurgent hideouts, they deny targeting civilians. However, humanitarian group White Helmets reported that among the casualties were ten children, as airstrikes hit Idlib and neighboring regions. The total number of fatalities from the ongoing strikes since November 27 has reportedly risen to 56, including 20 children. The insurgent forces consist of a coalition of secular groups backed by Turkey and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, an Islamist faction labeled as a terrorist organization by various nations.
Shifting Dynamics in Aleppo
In Aleppo, the atmosphere was tense, with many streets deserted and shops shuttered as residents remained indoors, gripped by fear. Witnesses observed a continued exodus of civilians from the city, while rebel fighters, displaying the opposition flag, moved through the streets, taking positions at key intersections. Ahmad Tutenji, a merchant from the affluent New Aleppo district, expressed his astonishment at the army’s rapid retreat, saying, “I am shocked at how they fled and abandoned us.” Residents in bombed neighborhoods voiced their fears of a return to the devastating airstrikes that had ravaged the area a decade ago.
As Syrian troops regroup, reinforcements are being dispatched for a counteroffensive. Aleppo has been under government control since a pivotal victory in 2016, when Russian-backed forces besieged and dismantled eastern rebel-held areas. The rebels reported gaining territory south of Aleppo, including the town of Khansir, in an effort to sever the army’s primary supply line to the city. Reports of ongoing conflict remain unverified by independent sources. The war, which has caused immense loss of life and displacement since 2011, continues without an official end, despite the reduction in intense fighting in recent years due to the influence of Iranian-backed militias and Russian air support.
Amid these developments, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi visited Damascus, acknowledging the challenging situation in Syria but expressing confidence in the Assad government’s resilience.